☀️💧 **Stay Hydrated This Summer – Help Prevent UTIs** 💧☀️
Good hydration is essential for helping to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). During hot weather, our bodies lose more fluid, so it’s important to drink plenty throughout the day.
### 🚻 Use the Wee Scale
Your urine colour is a simple way to check your hydration levels:
🟡 **1–3:** Pale straw to light yellow = **Well hydrated** ✅
🟡 **4–8:** Darker yellow to amber = **You need to hydrate!** 💧
💡 Aim for pale yellow urine throughout the day.
### ✅ Top Tips to Stay Hydrated
* **Drink regularly throughout the day.**
* Have at least **eight BIG drinks daily** (at least 150ml each).
* Choose water, milk, tea or fruit juice.
* Try to avoid drinking too many fizzy, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks.
* Eat foods with a high water content, such as fruit, salad and jelly.
* Don’t hold your wee – go when you need to.
### 👵👴 Extra Advice for Older People
Older people and those living with dementia can be at greater risk of dehydration as their sense of thirst may diminish.
✅ Encourage regular drinks throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty.
✅ Keep drinks within easy reach and offer them frequently.
✅ Watch for signs of dehydration, such as darker urine, dizziness, tiredness or confusion.
### 💊 Think Pharmacy First
If you think you may have a UTI, your local community pharmacy may be able to help through the **NHS Pharmacy First service**, offering advice and treatment for eligible patients without the need for a GP appointment.
For more information, speak to your local pharmacy, contact your GP practice, or visit NHS 111.
\#StayHydrated #UTIAwareness #WeeScale #PharmacyFirst #HealthyAgeing #SummerHealth 💙
